England lose decider

New Zealand beat England by nine wickets in the third and deciding women’s one-day international at Mount Maunganui’s Bay Oval.

Heather Knight (79) and captain Charlotte Edwards (40) led the scoring as the tourists set a challenging total of 217 for nine from their 50 overs after winning the toss.

However, the hosts passed the target with six balls to spare thanks to the efforts of Rachel Priest (96 not out) and Amy Satterthwaite (76 not out), who came together after the only wicket had fallen with the score on 66.

England won the second one-day international by 90 runs, after losing the series opener by 67 runs.

The teams will meet again in five Twenty20 internationals from February 19-28, the first of which takes place at Whangarei on Thursday.